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Completed Projects

This study presents new estimates of the prevalence of drowsy drivers on U.S. roads using data from a nationally-representative survey of drivers, and examines the role of drowsy driving in a nationally-representative sample of crashes.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. In an effort to reduce crashes and fatalities among young drivers, nearly all states have implemented graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems.

Risk mapping methodology from Phase II has been applied to four additional states: Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and Utah. Supplementary risk maps for Michigan have also been developed as part of Phase III and Phase III has included a validation study of the star rating protocol utilizing data from Iowa and Washington.

New Jersey possesses one of the strictest GDL implementations in the country. A cursory examination of New Jersey's teen crash risk showed promising results, necessitating a more in-depth examination to determine the true impact of its GDL laws. The study revealed significant reductions in crashes, injuries and deaths among 17 and 18-year olds, indicating New Jersey may indeed be a good model for other states to follow.

Using a cross-sectional survey this project provided information regarding senior drivers knowledge of the potential impact that prescription and over the counter medication use has on their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. This study yielded new information about knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of people age 55 and over with respect to medications and driving.

This report is a follow up to the 2008 Traffic Safety Culture Index, a nationally representative survey to evaluate driver behavior and attitudes on the road asentative telephone survey which assesses a few key indicators of the degree to which traffic safety is valued and is being pursued.